Buckfast Abbey releases exciting new series of concerts and organ Recitals for 2022
Buckfast Abbey, in South Devon, has released its exciting new line-up of Concerts and Organ Recitals for 2022. Recognised as a centre of culture and the arts in the South West of England, the Abbey Church is known for its popular series of annual concerts and recitals, which hosts choirs and performers from the local area and further afield.
Highlights of the 2022 series include a performance of the MozartRequiem by the Abbey’s own choir and orchestra (Saturday 21st May) and a splendid evening of choral music spanning Byrd to Chilcott on the 23rd July performed by the boy choristers and lay vicars of Truro Cathedral. Following the success of their sold-out concert in the 2018 Festival of Sacred Music, the world-renowned choir of Westminster Cathedral returns to Buckfast on Saturday 23rd April, to give a recital of music for Eastertide.
With its dramatic Lantern ceiling, various art treasures and renowned Ruffatti Organ situated at the very heart of the building, which is only one of its type in the UK, the Abbey Church is known as both a place of worship and a centre of musical excellence.
This year, alongside the Abbey’s own musicians, the organ will be put through its paces by two distinguished visiting recitalists: Simon Johnson (formally of St Paul’s Cathedral and the newly appointed Master of Music at Westminster Cathedral) on Saturday 17th September, and Olivier Houette, professor at the Paris Conservatoire, whose recital on the 16thJuly concludes with Widor’s famous Toccata!
Concert tickets are priced at £15 and are available to purchase now from www.buckfast.org.uk or from the Abbey Bookshop. Advanced booking is advised, as seating is unreserved and on a first come, first served basis. Doors will open at approximately 7:00pm, following the conclusion of Monastic Vespers.
Commenting on the new 2022 series of music events at Buckfast Abbey, Philip Arkwright, Organist and Master of Music, said: “Amidst an increasingly busy and complicated world, we believe the Abbey provides a haven of tranquillity to replenish the soul, as well as the opportunity to be uplifted by sacred music of the utmost quality.
“With everything from hauntingly beautiful and ancient Gregorian chants, sung by the Monastic Community, to sonorous, polyphonic music of the sixteenth-century sung by the Abbey Choir, which includes many semi-professional singers, there really is something for everyone. We couldn’t be more thrilled to be launching our exciting 2022 series. We look forward to welcoming our local community choirs, some of the world’s finest organists, singers and audiences back to the Abbey this year.”
Two-course fine-dining meals are also available before certain concerts in the Abbey’s newly refurbished Conference Centre dining room. These commence at 18:00 for only £23.95. Pre-concert meals can be booked online when purchasing a concert ticket, or by contacting the Conference Centre directly on 01364 645530 or conferences@buckfast.org.uk.
For more information on all concerts and organ recitals taking place at the Abbey this year, view the new 2022 music brochure here:https://www.buckfast.org.uk/uploads/documents/Concerts%20&%20Organ%20Recitals%202022%20(web).pdf
Buckfast Abbey is conveniently located midway between Exeter and Plymouth, just off the A38. Home to a community of Benedictine monks, the Abbey offers a unique, tranquil ambience, and is open seven days a week to the public. For more information on Buckfast Abbey visithttps://www.buckfast.org.uk
